Man surrenders to police after assaulting off-duty NYPD officer in Queens.

A suspect has turned himself in following an assault on an off-duty New York City Police Department (NYPD) officer in Queens last week, according to law enforcement officials. William Garzon, 23, faces multiple charges, including three counts of assault, stemming from the incident that took place on Saturday afternoon.

The 29-year-old officer was sitting on a park bench in Jackson Heights around 4:20 a.m. when he observed two men and two women entering a vehicle near the intersection of 81st Street and Northern Boulevard. According to police sources, one of the women called for help, prompting the officer to intervene.

In an attempted rescue, the officer approached the group, but he was quickly met with violence. Police reported that one of the assailants approached him from behind, choking him while the other attacker punched and kicked him. The officer lost consciousness during the assault, allowing the assailants to continue their attack. While he lay incapacitated on the ground, both attackers kicked him before fleeing the scene in a gray 2017 Ford Mustang.

Emergency Medical Services (EMS) were called to the scene and transported the injured officer to Elmhurst Hospital. He was treated for multiple bruises and other injuries, and remains in stable condition.

Garzon surrendered to the police after seeing his image publicly released by the NYPD. As of Wednesday afternoon, he was expected to face arraignment at Queens Criminal Court. Meanwhile, one additional suspect remains at large, leading authorities to seek the public’s assistance in the case.

Officials encourage anyone with information about the incident or the second assailant to contact Crime Stoppers at (800) 577-TIPS. All calls to the hotline are confidential, underscoring the department’s ongoing commitment to community safety and support in addressing violent crime.

The disturbing incident highlights the ongoing challenges faced by law enforcement officers, particularly those off-duty, as they navigate public safety concerns. The NYPD continues to investigate the case, aiming to ensure accountability and justice regarding the assault on their officer. As the situation develops, community members are urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to authorities.

As this unfolding story resonates through the community, it emphasizes the necessity of collaboration between law enforcement and citizens to combat crime effectively.